U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), both members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, have introduced a resolution in the Senate to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Between 1955 and 1975, over 10 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces served in support of South Vietnam. During this period, 58,281 Americans died and more than 300,000 were wounded. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency reports that 1,545 servicemembers from this conflict remain missing or unaccounted for.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and we must never forget the sacrifices of the brave men and women of our military who served our nation and defended freedom around the world,” said Sen. Moran. “It is our duty to continue honoring their service and make certain they receive the care, respect and recognition they have earned. It is also a time to remember those who did not return home and make certain their legacy is never forgotten. By introducing this resolution to commemorate the war’s end, we reaffirm our nation’s commitment to continue honoring those who served in Vietnam. I thank my colleague Sen. Duckworth for joining me in this effort.”
Senator Duckworth added: “The 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War powerfully reminds us to honor the brave Americans whose service and sacrifice should never be forgotten. We must continue to uphold the memory of those who never came home, to recognize the legacy of all those who supported the American effort in South Vietnam and to deliver the highest quality care to our aging Vietnam Veteran population. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution alongside Senator Moran to commemorate the end of the Vietnam War and to remind the nation of the unpayable debt we owe to those who served.”
The resolution has additional sponsorship from Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.).
Tom Burke, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America, stated: “This resolution is far more than symbolic — it is a reaffirmation of America’s conscience. Fifty years after the guns fell silent, the Vietnam veteran continues to serve our country through example, leadership, and sacrifice. We are grateful to Senators Moran and Duckworth for honoring this legacy, for recognizing the women who served, and for recommitting our nation to the fullest possible accounting of our missing in action. The Vietnam generation built the foundation for every veteran organization and reform that came after. This resolution tells every Vietnam veteran — your service mattered, your sacrifice endures, and your nation remembers.”
James McCormick, Executive Director of Government Affairs at Vietnam Veterans of America said: “This Senate resolution embodies what Vietnam Veterans of America has stood for since our founding in 1978 — that never again shall one generation of veterans abandon another. It honors the courage of those who fought, the families who carried the burden, and the generations who followed in our footsteps. We especially thank Senator Moran for his unwavering support of our priorities, from suicide prevention to full POW/MIA accounting and toxic exposure reform. As we mark this 50th anniversary, let us turn remembrance into renewed purpose — ensuring that every veteran, regardless of era, is recognized, protected, and never forgotten.”
Senator Moran delivered floor remarks commemorating this milestone anniversary.
